Christmas Gift Ideas for Expectant Mums

It can be difficult to know what to buy an expectant mum for Christmas, we've listed our top gift ideas with something to suit every budget. If you're buying a gift we'll accept exchanges or returns until the 5th January 2009.

1. Treat mum-to-be to either a stylish holdall for the hospital or a luxury changing bag



2. Our Burt's Bees Travel Shower Kit (£14.99) makes a great stocking filler for their hospital bag.



3. Super soft pyjamas that mum can wear in the last few months of pregnancy, as well as after are a great gift.



4. For the ultimate in Christmas presents why not give a pre-packed hospital bag, allowing mum to put her feet up instead of shopping in the weeks leading up to birth.

Unusual stocking filler & Christmas decoration idea

If you're looking for a unique Christmas decoration or stocking filler for expectant or new parents then look no further than than the Baby Art Keepsake. 100% safe for baby and easy to use. Diameter 16cm, RRP £9.99. Click here for details.

Take charge of your pain relief in labour with a tens machine

For most expectant mums the thought of labour can be a scary prospect, in particular not knowing the level of pain that will be experienced. There are lots of options to relieve pain, however, expectant mums can take some control by arranging to have a tens machine on hand when labour begins, and for some lucky mums it may be all you need to get you through labour!

A tens machine works by stimulating your body's own natural defences against pain by transmitting gentle, electrical impulses through your skin via four self-adhesive electrode pads positioned on your back.

The MamaTENS unit is recommended by the Royal College of Midwives and is widely accepted as the most effective and easiest maternity TENS unit to use. Find out more about how easy it is to rent a MamaTENS from Little Arrival Bag, or why not consider investing in your own MamaTENS machine if you're planning future pregnancies. 10% off MamaTENS until 30th November 2008 with Little Arrival Bag.

Take the guesswork out of choosing a nursing bra.

Deciding on the size of a nursing bra towards the end of your pregnancy, and before milk production has begun, can be a bit of a guessing game. Carriwell solves this problem with their ingenious drop-cup nursing bra, which comes in just 4 sizes (S, M, L & XL). Using innovative side panels these multi award-winning bras cover an incredible 51 bra sizes. Click here to view the Carriwell Drop-Cup Nursing Bra and size guide.

Win a luxury hospital birth bag at Earls Court Baby Show (17th - 19th Oct 2008)

Little Arrival Bag are delighted to have teamed up with MamaTENS at the Earls Court Baby Show next weekend and are offering one lucky expectant mum the chance to win a luxury hospital birth bag from Little Arrival Bag crammed full of top brands. Visit the MamaTENS stand at B37 to see our hospital birth bag and also to find out how you can save £10.00 off a MamaTENS rental (normal price £29.99).

Nervous about breastfeeding in public? A stylish nursing wrap could be the answer.

Breastfeeding in public can be a daunting business for many mums. Here at Little Arrival Bag we recently came across these stylish breastfeeding wraps, which come in a great range of colours and are incredibly lightweight. Nobody would take a second look in a coffee shop if you were breastfeeding with one of these wraps, and they make a great addition to your hospital bag if you're looking for some privacy. Click here to view wraps.

Breastfeeding? Save money with washable breast pads.

Most parents are aware that using re-usable nappies and breastfeeding can save them money, however, have you considered using washable breast pads instead of the disposable ones? Here at Little Arrival Bag we've recently seen a significant increase in the number of orders for Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads, as mothers try to save money. We consider the award-winning Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads to be the best on the market, made from 100% ultrasoft cotton and with a patented contour for a smooth no-show fit. Click the product name above to view this product in more detail.

PacaPod - the new revolutionary 3-in-1 changing bag has arrived!

The PacaPod is a brilliant new changing bag with a unique "pod system", not seen in any other changing bag out there on the market. Each PacaPod has a stylish outer bag and inside a separate clever feeder pod and changer pod. Also a great bag to take as one of your hospital bags, the feeder pod can be left at home, leaving you loads of space for your essentials and a great changer pod for those first nappy changes!

The PacaPod Shoulder Bag is currently in stock (available in 3 different colours), see for yourself how fab this bag is at Little Arrival Bag.

Top tips for meeting new mum friends

Most mums find that when they fall pregnant they don't have a ready made circle of mum friends with young babies within their existing circle of friends. So here's our top tips to finding those new mum friends. Find an antenatal class in your area, either by asking your midwife or using the NCT course finder tool. Make contact with mums in your area using the Netmums website and lastly, go along to mother and baby groups, the first time is always a bit daunting but stick with it and you'll soon meet people.

Left with a flatter chest after children? We have the solution without surgery.

Many mum's despair after having children when they find that they've been left with a flatter chest than before pregnancy. The causes aren't clear and this can happen whether you breastfeed or not, however, mum's confidence can take a real knock, especially as they try to establish their identity as an individual and not just somebody's mum! Many are left feeling that that cosmetic surgery is the only option, however, we've found a great alternative at http://www.maxcleavage.com/. Find a gel-filled bra, tankini or bikini for absolutely every occasion and all for a fraction of the cost of surgery!